Healthy Start Grant to Support Trenton’s Children and Families for Next Five Years

Children’s Futures will receive $3.5 million over the next five years through a Healthy Start grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The HRSA dollars will support Nurse Family Partnership home visiting programs for first-time mothers as well as activities at six Children’s Futures centers which help Trenton families through parenting programs, health care access, and child development programs that focus on early childhood health and development ranging from healthy pregnancies and birth outcomes to ensuring children are prepared to enter pre-school ready to learn.

The nonprofit Children's Futures initiative directs a city-wide collaboration in Trenton involving dozens of health providers and social service agencies focusing on strengthening the lives of thousands of Trenton residents annually to ensure families have the support and resources they need to get their children off to the best possible start in life.

Congressman Rush Holt (12th Congressional District) announced the competitive grant in the lobby of Children’s Futures East Ward Parent/Child Center partner, St. Francis Medical Center on Tuesday, June 23rd.

“I am pleased that Children’s Futures received this federal Healthy Start grant. Fewer than 100 of these grants were awarded nationwide, and I know this funding will be used to great effect,” said Congressman Rush Holt. “Research consistently demonstrates that early childhood education and health care have profound long-term effects. It means high rates of graduation and lower rates of delinquency and drug use, stronger emotional maturity and self-esteem, and greater aspirations. It is exactly this kind of intervention that children need and it is exactly this kind of intervention that Children’s Futures provides.”

Congressman Holt was joined by Jeff Sagnip, Director of Communications for Congressman Chris Smith (4th Congressional District), who read a letter of congratulations from the Congressman.  In the letter, Congressman Smith noted, “Through its advocacy and support of early intervention and preventative health initiatives, Children’s Futures has made a real difference for a vulnerable population in the City of Trenton.”

Trenton Mayor Douglas Palmer was also a featured speaker and made remarks along with Floyd Morris, President of Children’s Futures, and St. Francis Medical Center President and CEO Gerard Jablonowski.   Following the announcement, visitors toured the Children’s Futures’ East Ward Parent/Child Center at St. Francis and watched parents and children participating in a “Cookies and Milk” literacy program.

“This is a great day for parents and children in Trenton,” said Mr. Morris.  “We are honored that the Federal Government has shown such a high level of confidence in Children’s Futures.  These funds will provide us the means to continue offering vital services that strengthen families during the earliest years of childhood.”

Mr. Morris lauded Congressmen Smith and Holt for their support of the grant award as well as the City of Trenton, under the leadership of Mayor Palmer, which has partnered with Children’s Futures under previous HRSA grants and continues to be a key partner in the Children’s Futures’ program.

Photo on the Left (L to R): Trenton Mayor Douglas H. Palmer; Congressman Rush Holt (D-12th Congressional District); June Gray, Children’s Futures Director of Family Support Intervention; Floyd K. Morris, Jr., President of Children’s Futures; Gerard J. Jablonowski, President and CEO of St. Francis Medical Center; and, Jeff Sagnip, Communications Director for Congressman Chris Smith (R-4th Congressional District)

Photo on the Right: Trenton parent Rebecca Sankar holds her son, Amen and daughter, Amena.   Ms. Sankar praised Children’s Futures’ programs for the positive impact they have had on herself and her children.